CNET Editors' review
This download manager brings much more to the table than fast file transfers, but it definitely delivers those, too. Increased download speeds are Download Accelerator Plus's bread and butter, speeding up downloads by almost 200 percent in most cases and occasionally as high as 400 percent.
Besides splitting files into smaller pieces, it thrives on automatically seeking faster mirrors. It also can get a file simultaneously from several sites, which is useful if a particular site limits the download speed; it can resume downloads; and it can preview some media files while downloading. There's also a blacklist for sites that you never want to accept downloads from, and categorized folders and filters to keep your downloads organized. DAP rolls in a media buffer, too, that allegedly will prevent streaming-video hiccups. Ensuring that you're running the latest version of the Adobe Flash player won't hurt, either.
Two new features include a UI change that lets users choose a Firefox- or Internet Explorer-styled download window, and integration with DAP's publisher's video converter. Downloading and converting video on the fly is a pretty smart way to keep the program fresh. The program will prompt you at your first attempt if you don't have the converter installed and guide you through its installation. Frustratingly, the install process will weigh you down with a ton of toolbars, default switches, and e-mail recommendations that you must opt out of for a clean installation.
Although it's heavy with ads and promotions, DAP is still a good choice for adding some heat to your typical download recipe.
Watch the CNET video review of Download Accelerator Plus:
Publisher's Description
From SpeedBit:
Download Accelerator Plus (DAP) 9.7, the world's fastest and most popular Download Manager and Accelerator, has been installed over 265 million times. DAP accelerates your downloads up to 600% faster, so you get what you need. Fast. Videos, applications, photos and music files are all delivered to you at the highest speeds on the planet. DAP provides file management tools that allow you to download with confidence and without the wait. DAP's patented, award winning, multi-channel technology empowers you to take your file download experience to a higher level of speed and efficiency using cutting edge technology. Your privacy and security are never compromised with DAP's innovative download security technology. SPEEDbit's Multi Anti-Virus (MAV) technology lets you receive notice of threats from the most popular anti-virus programs. Thereby, giving you the power to choose if it is safe to open the downloaded file or not- helping you protect your computer from harmful viruses. DAP gives you the option of adding cool tools on top of the application itself. SPEEDbit Video Downloader will provide you with the ability to download web videos from such sites as YouTube, Facebook and DailyMotion in 1-click, directly from your browser. SPEEDbit Video Accelerator will seamlessly use the multi-channel acceleration technology to significantly cut down web videos loading time, reducing annoying buffering and pauses as well as your wait. Using SPEEDbit Video Accelerator you will experience YouTube, Facebook, DailyMotion and the hottest video sites like they were meant to be, and it will also accelerate your iTunes downloads. DAP supports 42 languages thanks to the help of SPEEDbit's millions of users worldwide. Loyal SPEEDbit users all across the planet contribute to the SPEEDbit Translation Wiki Project to give others around the world the powerful option to inject their online experience with speed in their own language. The world increasingly understands - patience is overrated.
What's new in this version: Upgraded and improved Chrome browser extension performance, supporting version 16; Support for the latest Firefox browser release, version 9; Reduced file size.
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All versions:
3.7 starsout of 2,035 votes
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Current version:
2.7 starsout of 6 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-6 of 6
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"It does a GOOD job speeding up the download process."
Version: Download Accelerator Plus 9.7.0.7
Pros
Accelerating the downloading process as well as the queueing up of future downloads so if you loose your connection, it will pick up right where it left off.
Cons
Loads up your computer with other programs without your permission such as speedbit video accelerator and video downloader and then starts to drive you crazy with many, many urgings to get the higher priced programs they sell.
Summary
"It fills your pc with junk programs such as - speedbit video accelerator,Speedbit video downloader,SpeedBit toolbar etc.
It annoys you to buy the premium version."
Read more: Download Accelerator Plus - Download.com http://download.cnet.com/Download-Accelerator-Plus/3000-2071_4-10037157.html?tag=mncol#ixzz1lw10BkTo -
"Disgusted: Search Engine Imposition"
Version: Download Accelerator Plus 9.7.0.7
Pros
Really fast downloads, very effective in Firefox and Chrome (XP, Vista, Win 7).
Cons
(1) Some months ago, this stupid thing started imposing itself as your default search engine in Firefox, Chrome, and IE. Once infected - and I do mean INFECTED, because you DID de-select it during install, and it is impossible to reset to your desired default. Gotta blow away SPEEDbit everything, re-install all search engines.
(2) Doesn't work in IE (XP, Vista, Win 7)..Summary
I used to love this accelerator, including the suggested optional Video Downloader. Now, I'm just offended and disgusted. Hey SPEEDbit (and CNET): Please clean up your act. How stupid do you think we are? In the description you say "Loyal SPEEDbit users all across the planet..." Loyal? Really? WHICH planet? Once we've set up Firefox Add On's and Chrome Extensions just as we want them, what makes you think we want SPEEDbit Search Provider? Jerks.
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"Great tool"
Version: Download Accelerator Plus 9.7.0.7
Pros
Accelerates my downloads.
Cons
During Installation, it will try many times to get you to install toolbars and other junk (if you consider it junk.) Take time installing to make sure the extras are not installed. It will also attempt to change your homepage at least twice during install, so uncheck the boxes when they arrive.
Summary
The cons knocked it back 2 stars because of the multiple attempts to change my homepage irritated me.
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"SUCKS don't waste your time download fdm OR orbit dnldr"
Version: Download Accelerator Plus 9.7.0.7
Pros
none at all
Cons
1-they should remove the word accelerator from the title because compared to other download managers this one actually decreases the speed of your download.
2-also it fills your pc with junk programs such as - speedbit video accelerator,speedbit video downloader,SpeedBit toolbar etc.
3-it annoys you to buy the premium version.
4-its very hard to uninstall. -
"Did nothing"
Version: Download Accelerator Plus 9.7.0.7
Pros
None that I could find.
Cons
it's impossible not to install the SpeedBit toolbar in the free version.
Summary
I didn't notice any change between downloads with and without the accelerator. Additionally, with the free version, it's impossible not to install the SpeedBit toolbar, no matter how hard you try in the installer.
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"Great time-saver on my PC"
Version: Download Accelerator Plus 9.7.0.7
Pros
Saves me so much time on all my downloads especially large software programme downloads ...
Cons
Doesn't work on some downloads due to occasional incompatability problems but rare ...
Results 1-6 of 6
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